Favorite Quote:
“Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it. -Salvador Dali”
My story
My Beginnings: A Lineage of Art
As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the act of creation. From a very young age, I carried an undeniable certainty in my heart: I knew I was put on this earth to make art.
As I grew older, I discovered that this creative calling was woven into my DNA. I learned that my grandmother, the remarkable woman who raised me, possessed a beautiful talent for drawing. This gift was passed down to her by her own mother—a talented artist who tragically passed away in childbirth, bringing my grandmother into this world. Knowing that my creative drive is an inheritance from the women who came before me gives my studio practice a profound sense of purpose.
Driven by passion
Driven by this lifelong calling, I pursued my art passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Arts from San Diego State University. Today, operating under Jen Paints with Leaves, my work is a celebration of that training, my family lineage, and beauty of the natural world. Every painting and workshop is a continuation of a story that began generations ago.
Artist Resume Summary
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Art, Summa Cum Laude, Emphasis in Studio Art with a Distinction in Art | San Diego State University | 2014
Professional Studio Practice
• Lead Artist & Founder | Jen Paints with Leaves | 2026
• Specializing in organic leaf-print mixed media, fine art acrylics, and watercolor techniques | 2017 - Present
• Commission Specialist | Private Collections | 2018 – Present
• High-detail Custom Pet Portraiture, dynamic Athletic Action Portraits, and General Commissions.
Instruction & Community Work
• Studio Instructor | Lakeside, CA | 2026
• Designing and hosting specialized small-group workshops focused on Watercolor Foundations, Value Mastering, Creative Color Theory, and Mixed Media.
“Above my great-grandmother, my grandma and I are pictured. Interestingly, art making was passed through a genetic tendency rather than a learned habit. I never observed my grandma creating art as she never observed her mother creating art.”
My Mission: Joy, Healing, and Growth
Today, my mission as a visual artist goes far beyond the canvas. I believe that creative expression is a powerful tool for transformation. Through Jen Paints with Leaves, my goal is to spread JOY into your home through the love of art. Furthermore, I am dedicated to creating a safe studio space where individuals can experience the profound ability of art to help us heal, connect, and grow. Whether you are collecting a custom piece for your wall or sitting down for a 5-person workshop, you are invited to experience the therapeutic power of creation firsthand.
